Fire services were called to a home on Coniston Avenue in Little Hulton this afternoon after a tumble dryer burst into flames filling the property with smoke and flames.

Fortunately the tenant acted quickly in escaping to safety before immediately contacting the emergency services who arrived on the scene shortly afterwards to extinguish the blaze.

The shook up tenant was in the process of planning to go out; had she done so the fire would have been far worse, her quick actions ensured that the fire was brought under control quickly, fortunately no one was injured.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) advise that tumble dryers are one of the most comon causes of house fires and that they should never be left on when no one is in the property or people sleep.

A general rule of thumb is to follow the guidelines to ensure your appliance is in good working order and safe to use.

1. Remove any lint from the machines filter after every load is completed
2. Ensure that all covers,vents or openings on the machine are not obstructed
3. Sweep or vacuum areas around the dyer to prevent fluff build up, it can act like tinder and it burns quickly allowing the fire to spread.
4. Do not use while sleeping or when away from home, the consequences for doing so could cost the lives of yourselves and your loved ones.
5. Clean your machine on a regular basis, wipe with a wet cloth, condenser models need to have their heat exchanger's cleaned at least five times a year.
6. Ensure that the socket is safe and unbroken and that any cables to the machine are not frayed or worn, also ensure that the plug is fitted correctly with the relevant fuse fitted.

City West also advise both tenants and non tenants to ensure they have an up to date electrical safety test as well as functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted.

If you live in one of their properties you can make sure yours is up to date by giving them a call on 0300 123 5522 and if not they will arrange for the tests to be carried out.

With Christmas just around the corner (71 Days but we are not counting), the temptation to take on loans as a way to help spread the ever increasing costs is ever present. The advertising campaigns from high interest lenders can make it seem easy and affordable but unfortunately far too many end up falling into spiralling debt as they quickly realise that they struggle to make repayments.

And so a new campaign from Salford Credit Union "#YoureBetterOffWithUs" sees them join forces with other credit unions across Greater Manchester this Credit Union Awareness Week (Oct 15-21) to urge borrowers to leave behind expensive credit cards, doorstep and pay day loans, and high interest retailers.

As part of the campaign the credit unions – who have formed an alliance called SoundPound - have placed an advert over the M602– thanks to support from Salford City Council - to try and raise awareness of an alternative way to lending.

CEO of Salford Credit Union, Sheila Murtagh, said:

Quote

“We know slick advertising, catchy jingles and popular cartoon characters can entice you in to taking out a loan – which seems like your only option at the time. Then once you have signed up to a high interest credit card, bought something from a high interest retailer like BrightHouse or used a pay day or doorstep lender – it is not easy to escape.

“Salford Credit Union may not be glitzy – but we do know how to perform when it comes to making sure you are borrowing responsibly, with a competitive interest rate and repayments within an affordable budget. When taking out a loan as a member of Salford Credit Union, a savings pot will also be built up as a result, so when your loan is paid off you are not back in the same position. We can also consolidate your debt – so no need to wait until you have paid off current debts, which can feel like a black hole, before you speak to us.

“We would urge anyone who is worried about their finances to get in touch, we really do care about people, not profit – and you really are better off with us.

“Our online services and applications make it easy for people to be able to find the right deal for them, and we also have the benefit of having friendly branch staff, so if people feel more comfortable speaking to an expert face to face – they can.”

In the last year Salford Credit Union has provided more than 1600 ethical, affordable loans to members living or working in Salford, and has saved people more than £1million in loan interest.

For more information on Salford Credit Union and to join go to www.salfordcreditunion.com 0161 686 5880 or call into the headquarters at Brotherton House, 1 Loganberry Avenue, Salford, M6 5UX.

PHOTO: CEO of Salford Credit Union - Sheila Murtagh

Police and the Ambulance Service attended but sadly the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men aged 25 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Police Sergeant Jon McColl of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

Quote

 

“My thoughts are with the man’s family at this devastating time.

“We have specially trained officers supporting them and I hope to soon be in a position to give them the answers they deserve.

“Whilst we have 2 men in custody, our investigation has only just began.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage. Also, if you were in the area at the time and saw the black Vectra prior to the collision, please do get in touch.”

 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, alternatively call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Be that sniffing out the facts and figures for the Salford Stars latest reveal of corruption and ineptness in the City, or in more recent times just struggling to keep his much loved publication afloat.

There is no man more dedicated to a cause than he.

Over the years it is safe to say that The Salford Star has acquired many many followers, sadly it has also drawn the attention of a fair few very powerful haters who have deservedly been negatively focused in many of its articles, and rightly so as the publication has exposed scandal after scandal and stands proudly on the front lines in its defence of those who need it most.

It is this dedication to honesty and integrity that has earned him the respect of not only the people of his home City but also that of his fellow Journalists up and down the country and if we are being honest here, far beyond.

Stephen's name was recently added to this years list after members of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) recognised him as being someone who embodies the broad and varied style of journalism they adhere too.

So to see Kingston's name honoured alongside such names as Peter Hitchen's, Faisal Islam, Owen Jones and many others is quite a big deal as it shows he has clearly earned the respect given, the "Radical Traditionalist" has done well.

Sadly it is not all good news for Stephen as it increasingly looks like the Star may succumb to the same fate as SalfordOnline did a couple of years back, lack of revenue from advertisers forcing its closure. I mentioned above that there are a few powerful haters out there and unfortunately many seem to have an influence large enough to make potential advertisers look away from the Star.

Cash flow has always been a problem with small local publications up and down the country, local press has been decimated by the much mightier media outlets with far deeper pockets that seem to have a monopoly in most areas. It is all rather sad to be honest as sometimes the smaller stories get overlooked and never see print as for the big hitters its all about eyeballs on ads.

In response to be told he had been named, Stephen responded by saying:

Quote

"It's a huge honour but unfortunately you can't eat a list

"The Salford Star is out of money at the end of November and is in danger of shutting down.

"So if anyone's got a job going as a Christmas elf or wants some leaves sweeping, let us know."

So unless Stephen can find the funding to keep the show on the road it looks like the Salford Star will cease to exist, which for this City would be a travesty. The Salford Star has fought the corner of many a Salfordian in its time and so it is now time that WE fight to keep this 13 year old Salford Institution alive.

As part of that fight, former Sounds of Salford DJ and local Charity fund raiser, Simon Williams has pulled together a Benefit CD featuring tracks from some fantastic local bands in order to help raise money for the Star.

The Album titled "All materials of value have been removed" features some fantastic tracks from the likes of Benefit State, The Moods, Nicola Greenwood, The Ascension, Cinnamon Dinner and many more.

All proceeds from the Sale of the CD goes to the Salford Star and it costs just £6.50 including postage and packaging from the Stars online shop..

http://www.salfordstar.com/support.asp

Whilst you are there you should check out their iconic hoodies, sweatshirts and back issues too.

All money from sales goes to help the Salford Star continue to be able to serve the people of Salford for longer.

You don't even have to buy anything as you can just donate if you have a few spare quid in your bank account doing nothing. Put it to good use and help support local journalism in Salford before another bites the dust.

Image: A Salford Star volunteer hands out copies of the magazine at Eccles Metrolink

Thomas Humphreys (19/7/96) of Ruskin Court, Farnworth, has today, Friday 12 October 2018, been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years and six months at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Humphreys pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to perverting the course of justice, aiding and abetting dangerous driving, and dangerous driving.

At 9.50pm on Thursday 31 May 2018, police were called to Europa Way in Trafford Park to reports that a car had collided with a number of pedestrians.

Seven people were taken to hospital but sadly 19-year-old Sophie Smith (pictured with her boyfriend bellow) died the following day as a result of catastrophic injuries.

The car involved in the collision, a blue BMW 330D, had been supplied to Thomas Humphreys as a courtesy vehicle after his own car had been damaged in a previous collision in Bolton. On the evening of 31 May, Humphreys drove the BMW to Trafford Park to attend an unofficial car meet.

Humphreys was seen to be driving the BMW at speed, and witnesses saw him attempting to ‘drift’ the car around Europa Circle.

Humphrey’s then gave his friend, Scott Watkins, permission to drive the BMW.  Scott Watkins got in the drivers’ seat and sped away, leaving Humphreys behind.

Witnesses saw Scott Watkins speeding and attempting to “drift” the car. He lost control of the BMW, before mounting the pavement and hitting a group of pedestrians.

Despite realising a collision had occurred, Humphreys fled the scene and went to his mother’s address. He then telephoned the police and reported his BMW as stolen, in an attempt to cover his tracks. But his version of events was quickly discovered to be a lie, and he was swiftly arrested.

Inspector Daniel Byrne, from GMP’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

“This was an incredibly tragic incident in which a young woman’s life was cut short, and my thoughts remain with Sophie’s friends and family.

“Humphreys made the cowardly decision to flee the scene, and refused to face up to his actions by lying to police in an attempt to cover his tracks.

“I welcome this sentence today, as Humphreys will face the next 20 months in jail and must finally face the consequences of what he has done.”

 

At around 2.25pm on Friday 7 September 2018, police were called to reports of an armed robbery at Lloyds TSB on Moorfield Parade. 

A man parked a light metallic blue Vauxhall Zafira round the corner from the bank on Moorfield Close before entering the bank. 

The offender made his way to the cashier desks before handing over a threatening note to staff. 

The man ran back to the parked Vauxhall Zafira before fleeing in the direction of Cutnook Lane. 

A quantity of cash was stolen. 

Officers have released a CCTV image of the Zafira and a man they want to speak to as part of their enquiries. 

Detective Constable Steve Powell, of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“The staff were left terrified by the actions of this robber and we need to public’s help to find the man responsible. 

“As you’ll see from the picture, the Zafira has distinctive wheels and I would ask anyone that saw the car in the area around the time of the robbery to get in touch. 

“We’re keen to speak to the man pictured as part of our investigation and I would urge him or anyone who recognises him to get in touch.” 

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 784 of 07/09/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

STEER, which is run by Salford Foundation, has worked with 15 young men, aged 12 to 17 in its first year and another 13 are currently being helped. 

Among its successes are one young man who had been arrested for stealing a car and anti-social behaviour and whose school attendance had dropped to 28%. 

Since working with the project he has gained a place on a pre-apprenticeship course achieving 90% attendance and winning praise from his tutors. He now plans to pursue a trade apprentice and says the project has hugely improved his life and prospects. 

The project is funded by Salford Community Safety Partnership’s Gulf project and Greater Manchester’s Programme Challenger which works across Greater Manchester and has recently launched a new strategy. Both seek to steer young people away from organised crime while tackling crime through intelligence, prosecution and disrupting their activities. 

Deputy Chief Executive Phil East said most of the young people involved with the project have family members or associates who are involved in organised crime and have been referred because of being involved in anti-social behaviour, violence in the family, a sudden loss of interest in school or hobbies or are starting to stay out unusually late. 

Mr East said the coaches also work on anger and relationship management. 

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“That’s a big area of work, helping them to find ways to resist peer pressure and cope with stressful situations. 

“Several of the lads – and so far it has all been lads though the project is open to young women as well – tell me they have walked away from arguments because they don’t want to risk their place on an apprenticeship programme and are very proud of themselves for doing so. Before they would have got involved in a fight but now they recognise there are better ways of reacting that don’t get them into trouble and that avoid negative consequences. 
. 
“We do three month reviews with everyone on the programme and they have all shown improvements in taking responsibility, motivation, problem solving, engagement with education and minimising risk taking behaviour. They’ve also significantly reduced their offending and the number of times they have given the police cause for concern.” 

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety at Salford City Council, said the programme showed what could be done when resources were pooled together. 

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“Salford Foundation has a long history of working with teenagers and adults who have been involved in crime. This project is about giving young people a chance to enjoy their lives now and create a positive future for themselves. It’s something which could be replicated across the country.” 

Superintendent Marcus Noden said:

Quote

“We’re proud to support such a worthwhile initiative which in its first year is already having a positive and long-lasting impact on young people in the area. 

“It is great to see that STEER is giving young people the skills and incentive to be able to walk away from crime, as well as giving them the opportunities to build themselves a better future. 

“Crime and antisocial behaviour can have a hugely negative impact on the local area, so the STEER project is not only having a positive effect on the lives of the young people but on the community as a whole.” 

Programme Challenger is Greater Manchester’s partnership approach to tackling serious organised crime in all its forms. Responding to the problem of organised crime is not solely the responsibility of the police and the criminal justice system; it requires collaboration with a range of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, as well as a positive, reciprocal relationship between these agencies and the law-abiding public. In recognition of this, Programme Challenger was launched in 2013 to send a clear message to all communities in Greater Manchester that this type of criminality would not be tolerated and that there is strength in collaboration which will make this approach more effective in stopping organised crime than ever before. 

A serious and organised crime strategy has recently been launched, which sets out how Programme Challenger intends to tackle serious and organised crime across Greater Manchester. For more information on Programme Challenger or to view the strategy please visit www.programmechallenger.co.uk 

Good Evening,

Police have charged a 16 year old male who was arrested after he was questioned over a spate of phone thefts from unsuspecting pedestrians by youths on motorcycles over the past few months.

Only last week a young girl was targeted on Langworthy Road and her phone snatched, a few days earlier another lady had her phone stolen whilst in Buile Hill Park.

The suspect was apprehended after police gave chase aided by the forces helicopter through the streets of Salford and alongside the river Irwell yesterday (08/09/18).

Police moved in after the youth was spotted riding a bike thought to be involved in at least 8 of the attacks along Cromwell Road.

GMP officers say that they have been working throughout last night and today to secure a charge and can confirm that a 16 year old male has now been charged with a number of offences, including:

1. Going equipped for theft.
2. Breach a criminal behaviour order.
3. Use a motor vehicle on a road / public place without insurance.
4. Drive whilst disqualified.
5. Attempt theft from person.
6. Theft from person.
7. Aggravated vehicle taking

The youth has been remanded in custody over night before appearing in court in the morning.

Photo: Stock

Salix Homes organised its first ever Catch the Culprit Campaign, which aimed to identify the perpetrators blighting Salford’s communities with rubbish.

The organisation’s Environment Team spent a week identifying incidents of fly-tipping across the city, before taping off the illegally-dumped waste as a ‘crime scene’.

The team then searched through the mountains of rubbish, which included old sofas, mattresses and bin bags of waste, to identify any clues, which could lead to tracking down the culprit.

One person was identified from a discarded medicine bottle, while others were caught-out from post and letters which revealed their names and addresses.

Liam Turner, Environmental Services manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“Fly-tipping has become a huge issue in Salford and while responsibility for the removal of this illegally dumped waste lies with the council, the scale of the problem is putting additional pressures on other public services, like ourselves, and diverting resources and funding away from other areas.

“We know it’s only a small minority, but there is no excuse for this lazy and selfish crime. We want our communities to be safe, clean and green places to live, so we launched Catch the Culprit to raise awareness of this crime and encourage people to take more pride in where they live.

“There are often clues to be found amongst the rubbish, no matter how small, that can lead to the identification of the culprit. We hope the success of this campaign will serve as a stark warning that if you’re dumping rubbish in our communities, we will do everything in our power to track you down and you will be held to account.”

 

All the perpetrators that were caught-out during the clampdown were identified as Salix Homes tenants and were handed tenancy warnings. One of the culprits removed the dumped waste themselves, while the others were charged for the removal costs.

The campaign took place during Salix Homes’ Love Your Neighbourhood Week when events are held throughout the week, which aim to encourage people to love where they live.

Throughout the week almost three tonnes of fly-tipped waste was removed from streets, alleyways and green areas, at a cost of more than £500.

Thanks to the success of the campaign, Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,000 homes across Salford, will be rolling it out regularly in a bid to clamp-down on fly-tippers.

In a statement released this afternoon (08/10/18) the council says its aim is to see works begin in summer 2018 on the nine blocks of flats had been frustrated by red tape with the Government refusing to let the local authority lend funds to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contractor responsible for the blocks.

And the Government also made clear the PFI contractor itself was not eligible to receive support from the £400m national pot set up to help housing associations and councils address the national fire safety crisis.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said:

Quote

“The Government were washing their hands of the situation. Our PFI partners have worked with us to come up with a solution. I would like to thank them for their hard work and commitment to providing safe homes.

 “Our pleas for financial support were repeatedly ignored in the wake of the Grenfell Fire. We were initially told by Government that the council was responsible for funding the works to make the building safe, only to be told in the last few weeks that we could not lend the funds to get works started and that the PFI contractor itself would not qualify for national remediation funding.

 “You couldn’t make it up. We remain focused on doing the right thing for residents – which is getting the works done as quickly as possible. We know our local community will be relieved that the PFI contractor, PTOL, have the means to pay for a detailed fire safety programme to keep homes safe and warm.”

 ARUP, a leading worldwide fire safety expert, has been commissioned to review the proposed programme. 

 The council is continuing to work closely with the Pendleton Together Operating Limited who intend confirm a new timetable for all the nine blocks next month.

 In the meantime works to Plane Court will continue and fire safety measures will remain in place on all blocks, including the 24/7 fire marshalls.

Charles is described as a White Male, approx. 5Ft10, average build, strong Irish accent wearing a black coat, orange pyjama trousers with black shoes. He was born on the 9/9/1957.

He has long grey hair at the back and is bald at the front.

Charles was last seen leaving Salford Royal Hospital around 0955 hours today. 

Any sightings/information please contact 0161 856 1319 quoting log number 558 081018.

At around 1:45pm in the afternoon of Sunday 7 October 2018 officers attended reports of a body in the water by Cromwell Bridge in Lower Broughton/Kersal.

Officers as well as the fire service attended and have confirmed it is unfortunately the body of a man in his 60’s.

There are thought to be no suspicious circumstances behind his death and a file had been passed to the coroners office.

Paths were closed as officers conducted their investigations and the body was recovered.

Police were called by the ambulance service shortly after 6.30am to a report that the body of a woman had been found in parkland off Wall Street, Pendleton.

Officers attended and found the body of a woman believed to be in her 20s. 

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. 

A file will be passed to the coroner.

Our condolences to her family, please do not name her on social media at this time.

A teacher from Godfrey Ermen Primary School in Eccles, Salford, is one of the stars featuring in a new national TV advert that aims to inspire people up and down the country to consider teaching as a career.

The advert – live on TV from this week - follows the journey of a girl named Abi, from her very first day of school as a nervous, wide-eyed four-year-old through to her last, leaving at 18 with the confidence to discover her place in the world.

The new film, created as part of the national Get Into Teaching campaign, features a cast of real teachers who highlight that teaching isn’t just about what young people become, but also who they become.

James Smith, a Primary teacher from Godfrey Ermen Primary School, features as one of the teachers in the advert, providing an authentic example of life as a teacher and the important interactions they have with the pupils they teach.

James Smith, a Primary teacher from Godfrey Ermen Primary School, said:

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“The filming was a unique experience and I feel proud to be part of the recruitment campaign, as it celebrates the profession. I’ve been involved in teaching for over eight years now, and this film truly captures the impact we as teachers can have in shaping the lives of young people and setting them on the right path for the next part of their life. Like many careers, teaching comes with its challenges, but the reward of being a positive influence and seeing young people succeed, both inside and outside the classroom, is what motivates us every day. 

We have the opportunity, through every lesson, through every interaction, to inspire learning and help them discover who they really are – it’s priceless. And that is my favourite part of the job; that is why we love it.”

 

The advert will air across national TV in the commercial breaks of popular family shows such as Gogglebox and Coronation Street. It will appear on TV networks and video on demand between now and early summer next year, and in cinemas during this October. 

The launch of the campaign coincides with World Teachers’ Day (5 October) that also celebrates the efforts teachers make to education and the development of people.

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader for Education, said:

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“A passionate teacher can truly shape the lives of students, from the child they teach to the adult they become. We hope that our new advert, which captures this pupil-teacher relationship over the years, will convey the many rewards that a career in teaching can bring, for both graduates and potential career changers.

“As well as the emotional rewards, teaching is a profession that has fantastic prospects including opportunities for progression. It is also a flexible career that can take you to different locations and into different kinds of schools.

“There are no great schools without great teachers – that’s why we’re always looking for people with the passion and potential to teach.”

 

As part of the campaign, a series of free online and face-to-face Train to Teach events are taking place across the country to provide more information, guidance and support to those considering teaching. 

Individuals could get a £26,000 tax-free bursary to train as a teacher in selected subjects including science, computing, geography and languages.

For tailored advice and more information about teaching as a career and the upcoming events visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.

Applications to start teacher training in September 2019 are due to open on 9 October.

Harold Terence Walsh, 52, passed away at his home address on 23 September 2018.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

It is believed that Harold has two brothers called Wilfred and Malaki and a sister called Naomi.

If you are related to him or have any details that could help locate his family then please get in touch with the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 5496.

 For full details of all Halloween and half term events go to salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/halloween

*New* Halloween night swim, 29th October 6.30-8pm (over 14s only and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre in Salford Quays. £20 if booked in advanced. A spooky 300 or 500m swimloop of Salford Quays with swimcap, glow stick hot soup and bread included.

The annual Halloween Spooktacular Party, Friday 26th October, 2-8pm, Buile Hill Park in Salford

Enjoy spooky family fun with a fair, frightful face painting, gruesome glitter tattoos, creepy crafts, spooky story telling, skull coconut shy, climbing wall, fairground rides, and curious critters. Bring your mummies (!) and your dads too! Fancy dress is essential! Free entry and some charges will apply for rides and stalls. Food and refreshments available.

The Witches Walk at Buile Hill Park Friday 26th October from 4pm. £2.50 per person (under 2s free).

This event is always a sell-out. Prepare to be creeped-out by taking part in the scariest-ever walk complete with spooky zones, freaky characters, amazing special effects, stilt walkers and live dance performances - frightfully good family fun for those that are brave enough. Walks start from 4pm and last for a hour.

Spooky Sports Events

Half term sports events include a spooky gym tumble (22-25th October, £5 per child 10am-12pm), Deadly Dance Camp (22-25th, 1-3pm FREE but dancers must be available to perform at The Witches Walk on Friday 26th), St Patrick’s Holiday Camp (22-26th 11am-3pm £2 per child no booking required), Irlam & Cadishead Leisure Centre Holiday Camp (22-26th, 12am-3pm £2 per child no booking required), Walkden High School Holiday Camp (22-26th, 10am-3pm £3 per child no booking required) and Oasis Hub MediaCityUK Holiday Camp (22-26th, 10am-3pm £2 per child no booking required), Aqua Activities and Junior Wakeboarding at Helly Hansen Watersports centre for kids aged 8-12, £80-90 for either a morning or afternoon session for the week).

Museums

*New* Halloween Gnome Trail at Ordsall Hall 21st-28th October (during usual opening days and times), £1 each, drop in. Spooky, scary and ghoulish gnomes have taken over Ordsall Hall. Can you find them all? Drop-in activity, no booking required.

*New* Magic Potions and Secret Spells workshop at Ordsall Hall

22 and 23rd October, 10-12. £1.50, drop in.

Suitable for families with young children. Come to the kitchen at Ordsall Hall and meet a magical resident. Have a go at making a 'magic potion' and decorating the bottle ready to do some magic at home. Drop-in activity.

Halloween Grotto at Ordsall Hall 24 and 25 October, 12 – 3pm (time slots will be confirmed after booking).

£5 per child (plus booking fee) and booking required. Come and meet the resident Ordsall Hall witch in her grotto, have a go at some spells and beat her riddles if you dare! Brave souls will receive a Halloween gift.

*New* Monster Puppets at Walkden Library

Oct 22, 10-11am. Make a petrifying puppet with your little monster this half-term.

£1 library members/£1.50 non library members/£3 families

Suitable for families. Drop-in, no need to book.

Meet The Street, Toys Through Time, Museum Investigators, Washday Wednesdays and Lark Hill Place Sweet Shop all take place at Salford Museum and Art Gallery 23-26 October. These events are free, £1 and £1.50 per child.

For full details of all Halloween and half term events go to salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/halloween

Salix Living, the private sector leasing and sales arm of Salix Homes - an award-winning, Salford-based housing association, has announced the first six homes for off-plan sale at the 160-property mixed-tenure development.

The development is the first for Salix Homes since becoming a stand-alone registered housing provider in 2015 and is part of a wider project to redevelop the Poets Estate - also known as Beechfarm.

As part of the ambitious redevelopment scheme, 146 properties are being demolished that had suffered historical structural damage with 160 brand new homes being built - 40 of which will be made available for outright sale, with the remaining 120 being homes for social housing.

The Poets Estate is so named due to the surrounding streets being named after famous wordsmiths. These include Shakespeare Road, Wordsworth Road and Tennyson Road.

Jonathan Drake, service director for Salix Living, said:

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“This is a very exciting time for Salix Homes, and we’re very proud to announce our very first properties for sale and play a major role in providing much needed housing in the area.

“By transforming the Poets Estate, we are helping to make Swinton an even more attractive place to live and work. Poets is just the start for us, and by 2020, we aim to have 400 new homes either developed or in development.”

 

Residents on the estate have been involved throughout the development process, with a steering group set up to ensure there was minimum disruption to the community. Those affected by the demolition of existing properties on the estate were temporarily rehoused nearby, and are being given priority to move back into the new-build properties.

A range of two and three bedroom properties will be available with prices starting at £144,995 for a two-bedroom home and £159,995 for a three-bedroom property, with four-bedroom homes available to buy in the later phases of the development.

The homes all feature integrated appliances in the kitchen, Porcelanosa tilling in the bathrooms plus off-street parking, turfed garden areas and a timber garden shed.

Galliford Try Partnerships, the award winning housing developer have built the homes for the first two phases of the development, with Linden Homes Northwest, part of Galliford Try being appointed to market the properties on behalf of Salix Homes.

Sian Pitt, head of sales at Linden Homes said:

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“This new development is modern, attractive and really well located in Swinton. We are really looking forward to bringing the homes to the market and expect there to be significant interest and demand.”

Interested buyers are urged to get in touch to register their interest in anticipation of the homes being in high demand. For further details go to: https://poets-swinton.co.uk/

Jayne was last seen wearing glasses with her hair straight and a grey tracksuit top and bottom.

It is thought she may be in and around Salford Royal Hospital.

If Jayne is seen, please can you call 101 quoting Log 1781 02/10/18.

The grade 2 listed parish Church designed by none other than the famous Victroria era architect George Gilbert Scott, has stood upon high in Weaste since 1865.

Affectionately known to some as the church on the hill, it is an iconic landmark in the area with its continental style spire and over the years has seen christenings, deaths and marriages celebrated within the surroundings of its spectacular stained glass windows and towering columns.

The quaint little church played a huge part in the life of one Emmeline Goulden who would in later years go on to marry a reformist lawyer named Richard Marsden Pankhurst at its alter. Not long after she would go on to become the infamous Mrs Pankhurst, a champion for women's rights, spawning a movement that went on to change the lives of women right across the globe.

The church itself went on to become a hub of activities for local people with its welcoming parish hall and wide range of community groups such as local amateur theatre group SLADS who put on performances there each year.

Sadly the rigours of time and dwindling finances has payed a huge toll on the building and it is in dire need or emergency attention. With dwindling congregations it has been hard to find the funding to make the repairs needed to the building and so a crowd funding appeal has been announced in the hope of raising £25,000 to fixes and improvements to the building and its hill top grounds.

With the loss of other local churches, such as All Souls & St John Vianney as well as the old Weaste Congregational Church, which are both now demolished and the grounds used for homes, St Luke's is fighting to secure its future in the area.

So if you are able to afford to contribute towards keeping the doors open of this unique piece of both Salford and National history then please find a link to there fund raising page HERE...

The thief struck as the lady sat at a set of traffic lights on Albert Street in Eccles.

After opening the car door he grabbed the handbag from the seat and quickly headed off on his push bike. Police have issued a warning to drivers today that their has been a recent spate of these types of attacks across Greater Manchester.

They have advised drivers to be vigilant and to ensure they lock the doors of their vehicle once inside to prevent them being able to be opened from the outside. They also have advised people to ensure that they don't have valuable items such as phones, bags, purses wallets, or other items on display.